Chapter 8

Frown lines appeared on Ariel's forehead as she read the letter, confusion in her eyes. A moment ago, she was just sitting by the library's unlit fireplace, enjoying a good book when a servant delivered this letter to her. Funny thing is, it wasn't even addressed to anyone in the castle. It was addressed to someone who was staying at the castle. Problem was, they didn't have any guests staying at her home.

She bit her lip.

"Ariel?"

Ariel looked up and smiled a bit. Behind her was Eric, his arms crossed on the chair's backrest. He gave her a bright smile, then he noticed something was wrong and frowned. "Is something troubling you?"

Ariel sighed, and held up the paper to her husband. "It's this letter. It's from Queen Elinor, from the Highlands."

Eric browsed through the letter's contents, an eyebrow raised in a questioning manner. "This is to Merida. That can't be right."

"It's strange to me, too," Ariel alleged. "Why would Elinor send us a letter to Merida—who is not here?"

"Yet she thinks Merida is here spending time with Melody, who's staying in Agrabah with the royalties," Eric said, troubled.

There was a pause, a thought coming into Ariel's mind. "Eric...have you heard anything from Melody since she left?"

Eric didn't say anything, shaking his head. "Perhaps we should send a message to Agrabah, just in case."

Ariel nodded. She stood up and followed her husband out, hoping they were just being paranoid and Melody was in Agrabah and safe.


Carpet landed down between two houses with roofs made of straw. Caz jumped down, back hunched over something and glancing in different directions.

Roxanne stepped off the rug and helped a pale-faced Zeke off, supporting his arm. "That blood really freaked you out, huh?"

Zeke swallowed down the lump in his throat. "It's a bit messed up to see a Disney character bleeding to death."

"She's not going to die!" Caz snapped, looking back at them briefly with a glare, "We're gonna get her help."

"And where is this help?" Roxanne inquired, lifting Pinocchio off the rug and placing him on the ground. "How much longer until we get to her home?"

"We're not heading towards Denmark," Caz replied curtly, adjusting Melody's leg so she would be more comfortable.

"What! But she needs—"

"I know where to get help," he cut her off sharply, not looking at her.

"How?"

"I just know."

Roxanne exhaled in frustration. Beside her, Zeke groaned and clutched his stomach. His knees wobbled and he stumbled in place, woozy. Roxanne caught him before he could hit the ground. "Okay, you are really green."

"Perhaps ye should go gather some supplies while me and Caz 'ere git Melody to a physician. This should cover it." She tossed a pouch of coins to Zeke, who clumsily caught it.

"What are we suppose to get?" Roxanne inquired.

Merida waved a hand dismissively. "Just provisions is all. We'll meet you guys back here later." With that, Caz jumped back onto Carpet and off they went. The three them just stood there for a moment.

Roxanne harrumphed. "Once again, we are stuck with babysitting duty." Sighing, she took a hold of Pinocchio's hand and started down the narrow alley. "Come on, guys. We might as well shop a bit."


At the far edges of the village stood a stone-structured cottage, partly hidden by thick trunk trees. Caz walked to it with a solemn expression, Merida and Carpet behind him. Melody was spread out on the magic rug like a person on a gurney would be, Merida's bloodstain cloak wrapped around her leg. Perspiration dotted her forehead, her cheeks red. Merida was the first to noticed her fever; it worried them both.

They were a few feet away from the cottage when Caz suddenly stopped, his knuckles white around the object in his hand. Merida almost ran into him. "What's wrong?"

"This is the right place, he's here."

"Who?"

Caz didn't answered. He slipped the mysterious object into the neck of his shirt, swallowing nervously. He'd cast a sidelong glance at Merida. "You better wait here."

"Wait here?" Merida exclaimed in disbelief. "Caz—"

"You just have to trust me on this."

"Why can't I come in? Why dae I 'ave tae wait outch 'ere?"

Caz bit his lip. "This guy I'm about to see, the one who is in there," he nodded towards the cottage, "He's dangerous. And more terrifying than any villain you've known."

Merida eyes grew apprehensive, flickering to the cottage with a brief glance. "Then why even go to him?"

"Because he's also powerful," Caz explained, his face solemn. He looked at Melody. "And he can heal Melody. So please," he looked at Merida with imploring eyes, "stay here. And no matter what, don't come anywhere near that cottage. Even if you hear terrible things, don't. Just run."

"How do you know he'll even help you?" Merida called after him as he started walking to the cottage with Carpet in tow.

"Because he can't resist making a deal," the Arabian prince softly said, almost inaudible.


The door creak opened. No doubt he knew they were here now. But where was he?

Caz gestured for Carpet to enter, the rug flying slowly for its passenger. Caz took a quick survey of his surroundings, closing the door. Cobwebs hung from the ceiling like curtains, waving in the warm breeze. There was little furniture in the room: just a table, some stools, a clock on the mantle…and in the center of the room, a spinning wheel. It wasn't the infamous spindle that nearly cursed a princess to sleep forever, but an untarnished brown instrument with gold as thread. Staring at the thread, Caz knew he was in the right place, and he was expected.

"Don't you know it's impolite to enter without knocking?"

Caz whirled around with his dagger drawn, leaning against the support beam, his face obscured in the shadows, was the creature the prince was looking for.

"I expected more from a prince," he continued, taking great interest in examining his fingernails. "Then again, burglary no doubt runs in your blood."

"I'm not here to play games," Caz tried to sound indifferent as best as he can. The man turned his head in the boy's direction.

"No need to be so nervous. You and I both know this isn't your first visit."

The prince's hand tightened the its grip on the blade's hilt. "I'm here for help."

"This is a bit of a step backwards, wouldn't you think?"

"It's for my friend here." Caz stepped aside to reveal Melody on Carpet, her breathing shallow. "A hyena bit her leg and she's running a fever. She's lost a lot of blood."

"Well, then," he started, promptly straightening up. "Let's have a look, shall we?"

He started to come closer but stopped when Caz blocked Melody once again, frowning in disapproval.

"Now, how do you expect me to help her if you won't let me go near her?"

"I just want you to know," Caz started, his face stoic. "If you harm her in any way, I'll make you regret it."

"You must fancy this lass a lot to be foolishly threatening me," he giggled and then held out his hand. "Now, may I?" He gestured to Melody.

Slowly, Caz stepped out of the way. With a nod, Caz silently ordered Carpet to float over to him. Carpet did so, stopping right in front of the shadowed man. His amber eyes scanned wounded leg, his spindly fingers hovering over it. After a few moments, the eyes looked up back at the prince's. Then he straightened up.

"I'll be willing to fix her leg in a jiffy." He held up an index finger. "For a price." He smiled in his impish, toothy way.

"I know," Caz said, keeping his face in a calm frown. From his belt, he removed a sheathed dagger and help it up flat against his two hands. "I'm willing to trade this dagger for you to heal Melody."

He gave the weapon a look of disdain, like the boy was trying to offer him a piece of wood. "This dagger?" His eyes locked back to Caz's. "Are you sure? The dagger which belongs to your father, passed down from his father. This little, token of a sentiment that his father gave him as a promise of returning, before he abandon his son and wife." He lightly tapped his chin mock sympathy. "Oh, I can only imagine how much pain that caused your father. He's probably feeling it now, the betrayal from blood."

"I didn't abandon him," Caz hissed, brows scrunch up.

"I wasn't naming names. Well, not specific ones." He gave the prince a toothy grin. "But back to the point. I will do it. I'll fix up your little lass for ya. But!" He held up a finger, stopping Caz before he could say anything. "My price is not the dagger."

"Then what do you want?" Caz asked warily, knowing whatever it is he will gladly pay for it. However, his heart sank when he heard the next words.

"It involves those two friends of yours. Rosanna and Ezekiel, or rather...Roxanne and Zeke."


Meanwhile, in the nearby town, Roxanne and the boys explore through the cobblestone streets, Zeke's momentary sickness long gone. Pinocchio gazed around like the excited little kid he was while Roxanne was busy ranting to no one in particular, her free hand expressing her emotions.

"He promises he'll help us. Instead, it feels as if we are just unpaid babysitters while they're off on their secret mission. At this rate, I'll never find Amy!"

"Calm down, Rox," Zeke said calmly, at least trying to be for Roxanne. He was also worried for Amy, but they had to keep their heads. Even if occasionally an unwanted image of the little girl being endanger would pop up in his head.

Zeke understood her duress. Over the years he had known the Millers, Amy was like a little cousin to him, a close one that made you laugh because she was being too adorable. He hate the mere thought that even if they found her, it could be too late.

Roxanne sighed. "I'm venting. When I am stressed, I vent. You know me. Sometimes I do it without meaning what I'm saying."

"So, you don't mind being with me?"

Roxanne turned her head down to Pinocchio, looking up at her with those big eyes of his.

"Of course not," Roxanne assured gently, picking him up into her arms. "I love hanging out with you. Truth is, I'm just scared. And people say things they don't mean. Even hurtful things."

"Because they're scared?"

Roxanne nodded, smiling sadly. "Yeah."

Pinocchio slipped his arms around her neck then, giving her a hug in reassurance. "We'll find, Amy. I promise. Honest."

Her heart pang with that, touched by this boy's attempt in comforting her. If she wasn't careful, Roxanne might get attach to this kid, to all of the little ragtag team she and Zeke were traveling with. Still, she appreciated the gesture.

"Rox?"

"Hm?"

"Have you noticed anything particular about this place?"

"Like what?"

"Like all the people here are not people."

Roxanne turn away from Zeke to scan their surroundings. She was mildly surprised that he was right; they were two humanoid animals nearby dressed in rags and locked in the stocks, hungry and fatigue masking their faces. Other than that, the town was empty and quiet, devoid of life.

"We must be in Nottingham."

"And look!" Zeke pointed to a rooster who was leaning against a tree and had a mandolin in his hands-er, wings. "It's the rooster guy! The one played by Roger Miller! We gotta say hi!" He grabbed Roxanne's hand and pulled her along, excited as if they just spotted a celebrity. Specifically, Roger Miller, who Zeke was a big fan of for some reason Roxanne couldn't remember. Something to do with the Muppet show or whatever.

"Zeke!" She hissed, but they were already spotted by the rooster. He gave them a friendly smile as they approach him.

"Hello," he greeted, idly streaming his instrument.

"Afternoon, sir," Zeke replied, smiling like an idiot. "I'm Zeke, and this be my good friend, Roxanne with our other friend, Pinocchio and we are new to this town and seem to be a bit lost."

"Alan-a-Dale," the rooster introduced himself, "I'm a minstrel, a traveling musician around these parts. I would be happy to show you folks around for a fair price if you could afford it."

Roxanne placed Pinocchio down and stepped up, pushing Zeke gently to the side. "Have you seen a little girl around here?" She took out her phone and rolled up a to recent picture of Amy. She held it up for Alan to see. "This is what she looks like."

His eyes squinted, thoughtful. Then he shook his head. "Sorry, but I haven't seen anyone like that. Strange painting you have, though."

"It's actually a-"

"Thanks anyway," Zeke cut her off, then clapped his hands and rubbed them together. "So, how about that tour? We would love to get some fresh food or maybe a souvenir, like maybe an battle axe from the blacksmith."

Alan-a-Dale frowned, suddenly going from cheery to melancholy in a second. He started to play a sad tone. "Ole' Rusty not there anymore. He was arrested for not paying taxes."

"Arrested?"

Alan nodded. "Yes. Just like most of the townsfolk are."

"Let me guess, the Sheriff of Nottingham is responsible for that," Roxanne stated. It wasn't a question.

"But that can't be," Zeke argued, "That would mean that Prince John is in charge."

"He is," Alan confirmed as if this was old news, "With King Richard gone, he took over the throne and raised the taxes. Taking the money from these people until their bone dry and Sheriff arrests them when they are."

"Wait," Zeke interjected, "when you mean gone, do you mean, um-" he made a slight gesture of his hand sliding against his throat.

"Zeke!" Roxanne chided him.

The rooster just shook his head. "No, he's still alive."

Roxanne spotted something against the tree and walked up to it. After a moment, she called Zeke over. His eyes widen a fraction seeing the Wanted poster for Robin Hood. Silently, exchanging a glance, both of them figured that they were probably in the middle of the movie. Though it seemed kinda strange that it wasn't well past like Aladdin or the Little Mermaid seemed to be. Then again, it was also strange that a realm of Disney characters existed. The teens turned back to the rooster. Zeke cleared his throat.

"Well, I'm sorry for the state your town's in, but we have to go. Thanks anyway."

"Zeke," Roxanne grabbed his arm and dragged him away a few steps. She whispered to him, low enough for Alan not to hear, "Shouldn't we do something?"

Zeke raised his eyebrows in surprise. "You want to help? We don't have to. Robin has this place cover. You remember the movie don't you?"

"Yes, but what if Amy is in jail? The Sheriff could've arrested her."

"Who would be so cruel as to put a sweet kid like that in jail?"

"Why don't you ask Skippy and his siblings?"

"Oh my gosh, she's locked in that dudgeon. Those fiends!"

"Fiends? Did you really just say that?"

Zeke shrugged. "I felt like it was appropriate for this place. Speaking of kids, Pinocchio's been quiet."

For a moment, the two froze before as one turning their heads to Pinocchio. He wasn't there.

"Oh crude," Zeke groaned, rubbing his forehead.

Roxanne looked left to right, ready to pull her hair in exasperation. "Where did he go?"

Alan, who was still standing in the same spot as five minutes ago, shrugged.

"He couldn't have gone too far, right?" Zeke said, panic lacing his voice. "I mean, we weren't talking for that long right?"

"Let's just go look and find him before he gets into any trouble," Roxanne responded, stuffing her phone back into her bag. Alan walked up to them.

"I'll give you folks a hand."

Zeke grinned and leaned into Roxanne's ear. "Told you he was cool."

Roxanne rolled her eyes and suppressed the urge to call Zeke a 'nerd'. She focused her attention back to the rooster. "Alright, we could use the help."

The two teens followed Alan down the street, unaware they were being followed.